Players level 75 may go to the Violet Citadel in Dalaran to talk to Rhonin. He starts a quest titled: Discretion is Key. You end up talking with Warden Alturas near the Violet Hold (prison) who gives you the Violet Key to open the gates to the Violet Hold.

This dungeon is scripted in the same fashion as Black Morass in Caverns of Time. You will see portals opening up one at a time. A dragonkin (portal keeper) will pop out and whelps pour out from the portal. You must kill the portal keeper and anything coming out. If they reach the exit door, and cast continually on it, the event resets and you lose.

Every five waves (approximately) one of the dragonkin will run to a random prison cell to shut down the magical wards allowing the prisoner to escape to attack you. From observation, each time you run Violet Hold, you will face two random bosses. The third and final boss is Cyanigosa, a blue dragon. There were more cells with bosses, so definitely you are encouraged to run this dungeon many times for a shot at different and random loot tables from each of the bosses. Each dungeon run lasts around 35 minutes. In the video below, my first time in beta build 8905, we faced Erekem and his two guards (Arakkoa), Zuramat the Obliterator (Void Walker). In the cells, there is a two-headed magmadar-like dog, and one of those floating brain-like demons such as the first boss in Auchenai Crypts. Near the sewer pool in Violet Hold is an imprisoned War Golem, and one of the lower prison cells has an Ethereum prisoner. There is obviously a variation to the two possible random bosses you might face in each run with decent loot.

The Exorcist – A reference to a character named Father Lankester Merrin, played by actor Max von Sydow

Thanks, fortner

Un’Goro Crater region

Phonetically Un’Goro-Un’Goro Crater is a real world reference to the Ngorongoro Crater near the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa. The center of the real crater was a lake in it, right where the rocky fire elemental hill is in game.

Since there are some Zelda references in Un’Goro crater, maybe Goron city – from Ocarina of Time.

Thanks, AaronJ, Wayle and Palinar

Dadanga the Kodo by the entrance of the cavern in Marshal’s Refuge in Un’Goro Crater

Reference to Long John Silver from the book Treasure Island (1883) by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Thanks JMM

Mithril and Truesilver minerals

Reference to metal from J.R.R. Tolken’s the Lord of the Rings series. In the series mithril was said to be “a precious silvery metal, stronger than steel but much lighter in weight. In the series mithril was also called true-silver. Gandalf explains it to the team while in Mines of Moria.

Thanks JMM

Region of Khaz’Modan

Lord of the Rings – the mines of Moria/middle earth, Khazad-d?m …. [Khaz][ad-dum] flipping the last word—> Khaz’Mud’da. Khaz’Modan – the land of dwarves – is at the middle of the continent between Lordaeron and Stormwind kingdoms.

It refers to a running joke starting with the original Diablo. There were rumors that there was a secret cow level somewhere in the game, but there wasn’t. In Starcraft one of the cheat codes is “there is no cow level.” In Diablo II, Blizzard did include a secret cow level and now the joke lives on in World of Warcraft.

Techbot – Those of us with enough experience know there is in fact a secret cow level… But Where? Thunder Bluff!

Apothecary Keever in the Apothecarium in the Undercity changes one of the caged humans into various creatures and pokes them. When the man turns into a sheep and Keever pokes him repeatedly, the sheep explodes

This is in reference to the easter eggs in Warcraft II, Warcraft III, and Starcraft where if you click on a critter in a level many times, it will explode.

Twilight Zone Episode “To Serve Man” () – In the episode, aliens land and start doing all kinds of good things for mankind. The main characters are suspicous until they translate the cover of an alien book to read “How to Serve Man”. Finally at the end of the episode they translate some of the inside of the book and find it is a recipe; and the aliens were using humans as cattle. The translation reads something to the effect of “Find man. Serve man. Eat man.”

Thanks, JMM and Dizzly

In the quest line to open the Ahn’Qiraj Gates, you have to kill a big fish named Maws … on the coast of Azshara; and he will ruin your day if you are fishing for him alone

A Mage quest in Stormwind by the Mage Tower. It’s name is something like “Investigate the Blue Recluse”. The mage gives you a scroll to activate a spell and containers to trap ghosts. you have to go into The Blue Recluse bar and you read off a scroll that activates a spell. Suddenly ghosts appear. You bring them down to zero health and then become “dazed”. Then you click the containers icon on your bag. Your character throws the container on the ground. The box opens up and then light beams shoot out trapping the ghost. then you have to go pick up the container with the trapped ghost!

Miller Genuine Draft – a beer from a large American beermaker based in Milwaukee. It was founded in 1855 by Frederick Miller. [scratches head trying to figure out which Blizzard dev drinks booze in the morning … O_o]

There was a robot called IDAK in the old Lost and Space TV series (1965-1968), episode 224: Revolt of the Androids – that, when powered up, said, “… crush! …kill! …destroy! … Crush! Kill! Destroy! CRUSH! KILL! DESTROY!”

Thanks, Morfos

After killing the Scarshield Quartermaster – right outside the BRS portal by the opposite wing – by the Blackwing Lair entry orb. The Quatermaster drops Blackhand’s Command letter. Then go to Upper Blackrock Spire(BRS) to kill Drakkisath, and touch the orb behind him. The quest completition dialogue for Blackwing Lair attunement is “Have fun storming the castle!”

This is a direct quote from Billy Crystal’s character Miracle Max from The Princess Bride.

Thanks, Joe

In Orgrimmar there is a weapon shop by the Cleft of Shadows, close to where the rogue trainer is. The name of the shop is “The Slow Blade”.

Tanqueray “Malacca Gin”, a robust and flavorful gin distilled from botanicals from the East Indies. Malacca has an exotic flavor that differs from London Dry, but unfortunately, it has been pulled from the U.S. market despite positive reviews. Clearly, someone at Blizzard enjoys good Gin. Hic!

Thanks, ericc

Ajeck Rouack is standing next to Nessingwary by the Nessingwary camp, northern Stranglethorn Vale

Previously, we said Hemet Nessingwary is in reference to Ernest Hemingway. However, a fan just told us that Ajeck Rouack is an anagram to another great American author, Jack Kerouac.

There is a Blood Elf NPC in Azshara named Sanath Lim-yo who teleports you up a cliff to Archmage Xylem’s tower

This may or may not be a reference to Lim Yo-Hwan (whose ID is SlayerS_`BoxeR`), a Korean Starcraft professional gamer who is considered to be the greatest Starcraft player of all time. Lim Yo-Hwan is credited to be extremely influential in the development of the sport of professional gaming in Korea. Blizzard undoubtedly knows of his name and his influence and impact on their game. The teleportation ability of Sanath Lim-yo may be an allusion to Lim Yo-Hwan’s amazing ability to use the Dropship (a flying transportation unit in Starcraft) with great control.

Thanks, Panorama

Sergeant Houser in Undercity, at the War Quarter

The GI Joe character Duke’s real name is Conrad S. Hauser and he is a first sergeant.

Thanks, Bandyspring

The Vorpal Dagger, a green dagger drop

The poem, Jabberwocky, by Lewis Carroll. Quote: “He took his Vorpal Sword in hand” and “The Vorpal Blade went snickersnack”.

Dungeons & Dragons – the Vorpal weapon was also a most infamous and sought after sword/weapon capable of beheading on a critical hit. In the game’s reference manual Deities and Demigods, King Arthur’s sword Excalibur is described as being a “vorpal weapon.” Many MUDs (multi-user dungeons) also incorporate this adjective into some of their weapon descriptions..

Why, sure, I spend some time out in the wilds and know about these things… I’m always mighty proud to say it. I consider the hours I spend out there in the hills to be golden. Help you cultivate quick reflexes, a cool head and a keen eye…

It takes judgement, brains and maturity to appreciate the wilderness in the way that I do.

Now, what was I talking about?

Ah yes, trouble. See Donova Snowden at the hot springs and she can tell you more.”

The NPC quest text is a parody of the song “Ya got trouble!” sung by the main character Harold Hill in the broadway show “The Music Man”

“With a cue in my hand are golden. Help you cultivate horse sense. And a cool head and a keen eye.”—read full lyrics.

Thanks, Andrew

In Caer Darrow (the island Scholomance is on), once you complete the quest chain to get the trinket that allows you to see and talk to the ghostly citizens of the island, you can see a ghost named Joseph Dirte standing outside by the outhouse. When you talk to him he says “Perhaps you should speak into these sound enhancing devices attached to my FISTS OF FURY!” “My Job Title is Waste Management Specialist.” and “Ahh, my sweet Brandy how I miss her so.”

All are references to the movie Joe Dirt staring David Spade about a Janitor in search of his lost love Brandy. Any time he was faced with a fight he would put up his fists and call them his Fists of Fury.

Thanks, Drunkenhelm

The priest ability “Spirit of Redemption’s tooltip says “You have become more powerful than you could ever imagine”

This is in reference to when Darth Vader killed Obi-wan in Episode 4. Obi-wan tells Darth Vader that ‘If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could ever imagine.’ He is refering to the ‘blue ghost’ state that he, Yoda, and Anakin are in at the end of the 6th movie. Indeed, the blue rez angel is hoving above the player.

Thanks, Ikono

The Two Ring item which drops in Alterac Valley Battleground – inscribed on this items is: “Almost as good as The One Ring.”

Lord of the Rings

Thanks, Vlad

In Ironforge, when you ask for the Tailoring trainer, sometimes the guard makes a reference to the tailor’s boastful ways, saying he claims to have killed giants…“seven in one blow.”

This is a reference to a fairy tale (Brothers Grimm), “The Valiant Little Tailor” (also made into a Mickey Mouse cartoon in 1938 called “The Brave Little Tailor”)

The Following are Easter eggs and Pop Culture references found in World of Warcraft, comprehending: NPC names, Quest names, locations, quotes, objects, or else which are references from movies, characters, actors, songs, singers and other popular sources.

Burning Crusade Easter Eggs can be found Here. Please, double check that we don’t have it before submiting. Send us new Easter Eggs or corrections. The database is fan-submited and may be inaccurate. Special thanks to the World of Warcraft community.

In-game Quote

Reference

Hindenburg Airship – Launched in 1936 in Germany, it started the first commercial air service across the North Atlantic and made 10 successful round trips. On May 6, 1937, as it was landing in Lakehurst, N.J., U.S., its hydrogen gas burst into flames, destroying the airship and killing 36 of the 97 persons aboard. The disaster, recorded on film and phonograph disk, effectively ended the use of rigid airships in commercial transportation.

The Highlander (1986)—Christopher Lambert plays as Connor MacLeod from the Clan MacLeod—He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536. He will fight his greatest battle on the streets of New York City in 1986. His name is Connor MacLeod. He is immortal

Scooty(Chief Engineer) is a Goblin in Booty Bay teleporting you to Gnomeregan.

Cannoneers Smythe and Whessan are in a quest named The Guns of Northwatch, south of Ratchet in the Northwatch Keep

There are two references here. Smith and Wesson 1869 Army break Top Revolver. The other reference is Gunfighters of the Northwest (1954)—although, some fans say it is in reference to the plot of The Guns of Navarone—a 1957 novel of World War II by British thriller writer Alistair MacLean that was made into a film in 1961. The book and the film share the same basic plot: the efforts of an Allied commando team to destroy a seemingly impregnable German fortress that threatens Allied naval operations in the Aegean Sea.—thanks to Kurz

Linken is a Gnome in Un’Goro Crater that forgot his past and wears a green hooded robe

Gahz’rilla from Zul’Farrak is a quest given by a gnome named Wizzle Brassbolts in Shimmering Flats, also Gammerita the turtle at the coast of Hinterlands for the quest The Super Snapper FX. Additionally, Ghamoo-ra is also a turtle in Blackfathom Deeps

Gojira known as Godzilla (1965) and Daikaij? Gamera (1965)—from out of the arctic comes a gigantic flying, fire-breathing turtle that sets its sights on destroying Tokyo

Plucky Johnson—the chicken in the Miracle Raceway of the Shimmering Flats

Saving Private Ryan (1998)—There is a character named plunky, but there is another reference, and I’m blowing my cards here, Plucky small-town girl, always a bit of a tomboy, enlists in the military to help pay for her education, and gets sent to the Middle East where, as fate would have it, she becomes an early victim of Saddam’s storm troops … She is plucky(tomboy) Lynch and another female rescued with less Press and Government attention was Shoshana Johnson. [read story]

The Lost Vikings was a popular SNES Game made by Blizzard. The MMO versions even have the same abilities from the SNES game.

Go to menu and choose Sounds. Turn off music and set ambience sounds to max. Go to Undercity by the fallen bell and you will hear the bells playing. The next hallway you listen to people cheering. Enter the Throne room.

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos—you will listen to the faint ghostly sounds of when Arthas enters the Throne room and kills his father King Terenas. In the throne you can listen King Terenas talking to Arthas. It seems there are also voices of when Medivh came to warn King Terenas.

The Hidden Chamber quest in Uldaman starts when you open a box on the table near Olaf, Baelog and Eric the swift dwarves. You have to unite two pieces to form a rod. One piece (The Shaft of Tsol) drops from the trogg Grimlok near them—outside by the hallway. Grimlok has White fur. The rod starts an event that opens a huge door releasing a giant female elemental

Indiana Jones—it is funny to watch how the rod placed on the ground lighs up an horizontal beam toward the door and it opens and flashes same as an event in Indiana Jones the movie

Dwarven Mortar Team south of Dun Morogh following the road from Coldridge Valley(where dwarves level 1 start). When you help them on the quest they provide, they start shooting their mortars on a Dummy and start quoting references from Warcraft III Mortar teams: Mortar Combat(Mortal Kombat). “THIS…. IS MY BOOMSTICK!”, “I’m DYNOMITE!”, etc.

Psycho (1960) by Anthony Perkins played as Norman Bates at the Bates Motel(Inn)

Gubber Blump—Dwarf fisher by Auberdine who says “Crabs are the food of the sea. You can boil ‘em, fry ‘em, mash ‘em, roast ‘em, etc.”—which is a quote from the movie

There could be a couple references. One is the Glubber fish from the A Fish Story written by Robert A. Harris or a reference to Forrest Gump where there is a Bubba-Gump Shrimp Corporation.Bubba quote: “Anyway, like I was sayin’, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.Bubba: Have you ever been on a shrimp boat?

High Overlord Saurfang: We are surrounded … Our enemies press in from all sides, young Hellscream. The Scourge descends like locust from the north. The Alliance holds the only secure shipping lane in this region and even that is at risk of being lost to those dreaded mists. Our only viable port for resupply is held by the Forsaken on the other side of this blasted continent! Anything our zeppelins cannot haul must be brought in by ship and travel the length of Northrend to reach us.

(Garrosh Hellscream grunts)

Garrosh Hellscream: Shipping lanes … supplies … You bore me to death! We need nothing more than the warrior spirit of the Horde, Saurfang! Now that we are firmly entrenched in this frozen wasteland, nothing shall stop us!

High Overlord Saurfang: Siege engines, ammunition, heavy armor … How do you propose to shatter the walls of Icecrown without those?

Garrosh Hellscream: Propose? I will show you what I propose! There … Now we now have a shipping lane. And just for good measure …

High Overlord Saurfang: So the prodigal son has spoken! Your father’s blood runs strong in you, Hellscream. Impatient as always … Impatient and reckless. You rush headlong into all-out war without a thought of the consequences.

Garrosh Hellscream: Do not speak to me of consequences, old one.

High Overlord Saurfang: I drank of the same blood your father did, Garrosh. Mannoroth’s cursed venom pumped through my veins as well. I drove my weapons into the bodies and minds of my enemies. And while Grom died a glorious death – freeing us all from the blood curse – he could not wipe away the terrible memory of our past. His act could not erase the horrors we committed.

(High Overlord Saurfang pauses)

The winter after the curse was lifted, hundreds of veteran orcs like me were lost to despair. Our minds were finally free, yes … Free to relive all of the unthinkable acts that we had performed under the Legion’s influence.

(High Overlord Saurfang nods.)

I think it was the sounds of the draenei children that unnerved most of them … You never forget … Have you ever been to Jaggedswine Farm? When the swine are of age for the slaughter … It’s that sound. The sound of the swine being killed … It resonates the loudest. Those are hard times for us older veterans.

Garrosh Hellscream: But surely you cannot think that those children were born into innocence? They would have grown up and taken arms against us!

(High Overlord Saurfang shakes his head)

High Overlord Saurfang: I am not speaking solely of the children of our enemies …

(High Overlord Saurfang pauses)

I won’t let you take us down that dark path again, young Hellscream. I’ll kill you myself before that day comes …

Garrosh Hellscream: How have you managed to survive for so long, Saurfang? Not fallen victim to your own memories?

High Overlord Saurfang: I don’t eat pork …

(High Overlord Saurfang spits.)

HIGH OVERLORD SAURFANG

Fear has always been our greatest weapon. Entire wars have been won and lost upon the shifting shoulders of trepidation and doubt. So how, then, does one fight an enemy that knows no fear?

(Saurfang shakes his head.)

We do not just fight the Scourge in Northrend, we fight to gain control of our senses before they tear us apart …

GARROSH HELLSCREAM

The razing of Orgrimmar was not just an attack against orcs, it was an affront to the Horde. An assault against our very existence!

The Emblem of Valor Quartermaster Magister Brasaer (Horde) may be found in Dalaran at the Sunreaver’s Sanctuary (on the second floor up the large ramp). The Alliance version may be found at the Silver Enclave (second floor). Both quartermasters don’t have a tabard, or give reputation.

You may obtain Emblems of Valor from bosses in 25-player raid dungeons such as Obsidian Sanctuary (located at the basement of Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight) and Naxxramas (eastern Dragonblight) at level 80.

The Emblem of Valor Quartermaster sells: Bracers, Boots, Back, rings and two items of the Lost Conqueror set. Check them out.

The Fur and Leather Trader Braeg Stoutbeard may be found in Dalaran at the Magus Commerce Exchange (on the street). He is not a quartermaster nor represents any faction. You simply bring fur or leather from Northrend beasts and he will trade you the leatherworking recipes shown below.

The Ebon Blade Quartermaster Duchess Mynx may be found at the Shadow Vault—building found at the northwestern corner of the Icecrown Glacier region. However, you won’t see the Ebon Blade NPCs there. Blizzard uses phasing quest system technology to unlock it. Talk to Koltiras (death knight) at the Orgrim’s Hammer (The Horde gunship) or Thassarian (Alliance gunship). They start a quest to infiltrate and turn to the Ebon Blade’s cause three Scourge NPCs who will help you later to kill the Shadow Vault leader General Lightsbane. Once you have killed General Lightsbane, return to the Gunship. The death knight will ask you to return to Shadow Vault. When you return, the Shadow Vault is no longer the way you saw it before. No Scourge NPCs are in the area. Instead the Ebon Blade NPCs have made Shadow Vault your new Inn.

You will find the Quartermaster inside the building, to the west. Wearing the Ebon Blade tabard gives you extra reputation gain in any level 80 dungeon run.